OFMDFM Junior Minister Newton joins Ramadan celebrations

Robin Newton MLA, Junior Minister in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, has joined the local Muslim community at Stormont to celebrate Ramadan.

The Minister, along with local Muslims, Egyptian dignitaries and other local political and faith leaders, attended an Iftar dinner, the evening meal which breaks the daily fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan.

Minister Newton said: “Over the past decades Muslim communities have made a highly positive economic and cultural contribution to local life, particularly in fields such as medicine, business and education.

“Ramadan’s message of compassion, justice and humility spreads beyond Muslim communities and speaks to us all. These are values that we would all do well to remember as we work to build a society based on tolerance, equality and mutual respect”.

While wishing everyone ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ Mr Newton underlined the Assembly’s commitment to working for all people in society.

The Minister said: “I hope that the symbol of tonight’s event will send a clear message that this Assembly is here to represent and work for all local communities in building a better future.”

Notes to editors:

1. This year’s event was the second annual Ramadan Iftar dinner to be held in Parliament Buildings. Organised by the Egyptian Society of Northern Ireland, the event was also attended by the Egyptian Ambassador to the UK His Excellency Mr Hatem Seif El Nasr and the Egyptian Secretary of State for Immigration and Manpower Mrs Eisha Abdel Hady.
2. All media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8201. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.